School leaders have been warned they must prepare for the threat of cyberattacks as the new academic year begins.
The National Cyber Security Centre said "appropriate security measures" should be in place to defend against any threats and prevent disruption.
While there is no indication of an increased threat ahead of schools going back this week, the start of a new term means the impact of any attack could be more keenly felt than at other times of year.
Don Smith, vice president of the counter-threat unit at cybersecurity firm Secureworks, said it was a "time of change" that presented opportunities for criminals.
He told Sky News creating accounts for new pupils and staff, as well as a school's stance on portable devices like laptops and tablets, could create vulnerabilities.
"Summer is a time when people are using their devices to have fun, play games, that sort of thing," he said.
"If you've allowed teachers and pupils to take devices home, or let them bring their own, these devices may have picked up infections and malware that can come into the school and create a problem."
